INPCS Leadership: Rajinder Dhamija

Rajinder Dhamija, MD, DNB
Member At-Large, INPCS Board of Directors

Dr. Rajinder K. Dhamija is a globally recognized neurologist, educator, and healthcare leader, currently serving as the Director and Professor of Neurology at the Institute of Human Behavior and Allied Sciences (IHBAS) in New Delhi, India. With over 30 years of experience in neurology and public health, he has made pioneering contributions to the fields of stroke, movement disorders, and neurorehabilitation, and is a leading advocate for neuropalliative care, especially in low- and middle-income countries. 

Prof. Dhamija holds an MD and DNB in Neurology from India, and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (London) and the Royal Australasian College of Physicians. His academic journey includes prestigious fellowships from the Commonwealth, WHO, and National Stroke Research Institute, Australia. He has held several key positions, including Head of Neurology at Lady Hardinge Medical College, Advisor to the Prime Minister of India, and Chair of the National Task Force on Brain Health. His leadership has shaped national and international policies in neurology, mental health, and medical education. He has served as an expert for organizations such as WHO, EAN, ICMR, UPSC, and National Medical Commission, and has contributed to curriculum development and faculty selection across India.

Dr. Dhamija has authored over 180 peer-reviewed publications in top-tier journals including Lancet Neurology, JAMA Neurology, and BMJ, and contributed to numerous book chapters. His research spans epidemiology, genetics, neuroimaging, and clinical trials, with a strong focus on stroke care, Parkinson’s disease, and teleneurorehabilitation. A passionate educator, he has mentored over 25 DM/PhD students, served as examiner for leading universities and boards, and played a pivotal role in shaping postgraduate medical education. He is also a member of editorial boards for several PubMed-indexed journals and has organized major conferences including the World Congress of Neurorehabilitation.

Prof. Dhamija is deeply committed to public health outreach, having anchored over 400 radio programs and 100 TV discussions on health education. His efforts in raising awareness about brain health and neurological disorders have earned him national recognition, including the S. Radhakrishnan Memorial National Medical Teacher Award and the National Award for Science and Technology.